Anna
Peaked at #2 nationally in 1880, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1880, Anna has been recorded >99% of the time for girls and <1% of the time for boys.
Meaning & origin
Anna is the Latin and Greek form of the Hebrew Hannah, meaning "grace" or "favor." Its use spread widely across Europe through Saint Anne, venerated in Christian tradition as the mother of the Virgin Mary, making Anna and its many variants among the most enduring names in Western history.
Notable people & culture
Actresses Anna Kendrick and Anna Paquin have both built prominent film and television careers, while Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova remains one of the most celebrated dancers in history. Empress Anna ruled the Russian Empire in the 18th century. The name has also inspired countless variants, including Anne, Ann, and Annie.
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Anna — Girls (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#2
in 1880
Current rank
#94
in 2024
Years tracked
145
1880–2024
Trend
Falling
Anna was already at its most popular for girls in 1880 (the earliest year in this data, ranked #2), with 2,604 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has slipped from #34 (2014) to #94 (2024) — a 64% drop.
As of 2024, Anna ranks #94 nationally for girls, with 2,700 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #94 | 2,700 |
| 2023 | #79 | 2,931 |
| 2022 | #83 | 2,958 |
| 2021 | #85 | 3,078 |
| 2020 | #68 | 3,507 |
| 2019 | #63 | 3,845 |
| 2018 | #54 | 4,197 |
| 2017 | #53 | 4,574 |
Anna — Boys (United States)
StablePeak rank
#346
in 1898
Last ranked
#10884
in 2021
Years tracked
138
1880–2021
Trend
Stable
Tracked since 1880, Anna reached its peak popularity for boys in 1898, ranking #346 nationally with 31 babies given the name that year.
Anna hasn't appeared among the national top ranks for boys since 2021, when it stood at #10884.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | #10,884 | 6 |
| 2020 | #12,149 | 5 |
| 2018 | #12,287 | 5 |
| 2017 | #8,893 | 8 |
| 2016 | #10,840 | 6 |
| 2015 | #9,635 | 7 |
| 2013 | #9,713 | 7 |
| 2012 | #12,386 | 5 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — girls' names only.
Common Questions
When was Anna most popular?
Anna was most popular in 1880, when it ranked #2 nationally for girls — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Anna becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently falling; for boys, it's currently stable, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Anna?
At least 915,007 babies have been recorded with the name Anna in the US since 1880, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Anna? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.